An embattled minority: The Jews in Britain during the First World War

Abstract

Previous research on the impact of the First World War on Jews in Britain has concentrated on its effects on German or Russian immigrants. This article examines how English Jews were affected, analysing the dilemmas and complexities deriving from Jewish identity at a time of extreme nationalism. On policy regarding the oppression of Jews in Russia, the creation of all‐Jewish units, special facilities for orthodox Jews and the conscription of foreign Jews, the Anglo‐Jewish minority found itself at odds with the ethnic majority. The resulting tension contributed to outbreaks of anti‐Jewish violence in 1917 and eroded the position of Jews in British society.